Lions Sign DL David Bada

The Detroit Lions signed defensive lineman David Bada on Thursday. No corresponding move was necessary to add Bada to the roster because the Lions received an exemption for him as an international player.

Detroit Lions defensive lineman David Bada played in the German Football League before signing with the Washington Commanders in 2020

Bada, 29, was born in Germany and played for multiple European teams before signing with the Commanders in 2020 through the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program (IPPP).

Since he’s part of the IPPP, Bada will not count against the 90-man roster. The 6-foot-4, 293-pound lineman played in the German Football League for the Munich Cowboys, Ingolstadt Dukes, and Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns.

Bada spent the last four seasons with Washington and appeared in two games during the 2022 season. He recorded two tackles in those appearances.

In August 2023, he was placed on injured reserve after tearing his triceps during practice. Bada appeared in 22% of defensive snap counts with the Commanders and just 4% of special teams snaps.

Bada was signed after D.J. Reader was added to the PUP list

New defensive line coach Terrell Williams said in the spring that his job would be to build up the confidence of the defensive line. Detroit finished 23rd in sacks last season with just 41.

“My job is to help them get better but also to build up their confidence. Because when you tell them they’re bad and they’re this and they’re that, then they start to believe it. It’s important that they listen to who they need to listen to, which is us in this building,” said Williams.

“No offense, but not you guys. You can’t define them, we’ll define them and what they are and who they are and the way they walk and the way they talk and the way they play football. That’ll come from us in this building.”

The Lions are down one lineman with D.J. Reader on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Bada’s signing gives Detroit much-needed defensive line depth.